Merci pour le chocolat2000

MERCI POUR LE CHOCOLAT is vintage Chabrol: intricate plots wend their way through the elegant homes of several well-heeled French-Swiss, in Lausanne, Switzerland. Isabelle Huppert stars as Mika, the oh-so-perfect head of a company that manufactures Swiss chocolate; Jacques Dutronc is Andre, her suave, concert pianist husband whose first wife died years ago in a mysterious car accident. How is it that Andre's teenage son has no musical talent, while the stunning Jeanne, who shares his birthday, is already a world class pianist? And why does Huppert insist that everyone sip the hot chocolate she prepares so faithfully each evening? Chabrol has fashioned a delectable mystery, dipped in darkest Swiss chocolate.

Not a great movie. The characters are awfully stilted, particularly Isabelle. And there are some inexplicable scenes like why did Mika spill the chocolate in her son's room, the chocolate that Jeanne subsequently has analyized? And when Andre realizes Mika has tried to kill his son and Jeanne, he first admonishes Mika, and then goes to play his piano?? Not great!

Released to the US with the very lame title, "Nightcap" is far more than a brilliant film. Part comedy and equal part psychological thriller, this film is consistently entertaining, disturbing, funny and oddly tragic.

This remains one of Huppert's best performances in a career full of excellent work. She particularly shines here as "Mika" an heiress and CEO of a Swiss chocolate factory who runs everything in her life with a consistent level of passive-aggressive control. But everyone involved delivers outstanding work. Renato Berta's cinematography is truly on mark from beginning to the unforgettable end.

Make no mistake, this film belongs to Huppert. A long time muse for Chabrol. At the time of the film's release, the movie's ending was a stunning cinematic device. It remains one today. Viewers will want to sit and continue watching as the credits roll. An absolute magical performance from Huppert. The laughter and amusement we have enjoyed takes us to a far more sinister place: Tragedy.

Unforgettable and highly under-rated. A film for anyone who enjoys their suspense with a dash of dark comedy, surprise and plenty of chocolate.

A real textured suspense thriller with a formula that is comfortably familiar: strange coincidence that quickly turns to high strung suspense, accompanied by a directive piano score. Huppert's Mika is cool and cunning, and with a wardrobe resembling any leading Hitchcock protagonist. The viewer won't tempted by the chocolate which is neither warm nor appetizing in this chilling, fun film noir.

As cinephiles, we are in good hands with Chabrol. The piano draws the viewer in, as do the actors, cinematography, locations/sets, wardrobe. While these elements seduce aurally and visually, the plot catches us in its web. The venom takes effect and then we realize we have been stung. Huppert's last close up is virtuoso. Huppert and Dutronc are subtle, incredibly skillful actors. Suggestion if you enjoyed this one: Dutronc with Deneuve in 'Place Vendome'.

Who can not be seduced by a film with Isabel Huppert. It is a thriller and suspenseful but done in the elegant French cinema style where everyone is charming and dresses so well. A good "who done it " and worth watching.